Holy Week media frenzy

Up to now, I've tried to stay away from commenting on the recent spade of stories about clergy sex abuse in Europe and the old Wisconsin case coupled with the media circus to take the Pope down over a 1979 case in Germany. I am acutely aware of some of the hatchet jobs being done across the country, particularly by the New York Times. Considering that we were approaching Holy Week, and that most of the grinding of teeth was coming from New York; I figured why comment.

But then I have made the classic mistake recently of polluting my car environment and beyond with the big local talk radio station here in New Orleans. I'm going to try and refrain, for now, from using the call letters and the names of the radio personalities in part to stay above the fray and possibly avoid a frivilous lawsuit.

This particular radio statio, headquartered in such a Catholic community as New Orleans, once owned by the Catholic Church, has turned into a Catholic bashing radio outlet. You would think, with all the wonderful good the local Church does, all the major contributions to education thanks to New Orleans area Catholic schools, all the amazing efforts by the Church on behalf of the poor and the immigrant, that this station would have several Catholic stories throughout the year. But let a scandal break out, and let's acknowledge here that these scandals are hideous, and they devote 24/7. Callers are allowed to call in and express total lies and falsehoods, display their ignorance of the Catholic Church and they are never challenged by the radio hosts. And many of the hosts are self proclaimed Catholics or Catholic used to be's.

There is a belief among the entire radio personality staff, that runs throughout the morning and evening personalities, even their fish and game guy, that the Church is in disarray, falling apart and at a low point in all things. NOT TRUE!

Here are some facts, that as we know, always get in the way of most of this radio's talk show personality driven agenda. The Catholic Church in New Orleans, across the country and I suspect world wide rejects all forms of abuse against anyone, particularly young people. The Church acknowledges, publicly, it's sins and shortfalls. The Church, particularly in this past decade, has instituted amazing reforms to address the problem of clergy sex abuse. This is so much so, that other institutions now turn to the Catholic Church to help write reforms for problems they have with sex abuse. And what about this; if morale is so low why is the already largest Christian church growing. Catholics are now close to numbering 1.1 billion of the worlds 6 billion. In America, we have over 68 million Catholics with tens of thousands joining the Church this Saturday night at the Easter vigil. Here in New Orleans, despite the abuse stories, despite recovering post Katrina, despite the attacks from the countless churches that recruit Catholics, 400 adults are joining the faith. No story here for the big radio giant?

How about the fact that the Vatican just announced that the first Louisiana born person ever is now on the path to formal declaration of possible sainthood; a black free woman from the 19th century named Henriette Delille. No story here for the big radio giant?

How about that the Catholic Church in New Orleans is experiencing new enthusiasm as the new Archbishop, Gregory Aymond, takes control of the Archdiocese. No story here for the big radio giant?

How about the acknowledged leadership of the Catholic Church in and of New Orleans in assisting the devastated people of Haiti. Oh they mentioned this; about 1/100th of the time they have devoted to tear down the Church.

And one last point; unlike the big radio station and it's personalities; the Catholic Church, particularly those in the pews are concerned for and pray for the victims of clergy abuse. We hold out a helping hand and all that we can offer for those who suffer from this hideous scandal. But does this radio station spend anytime in solidarity with the abused? Do they offer any solutions or offer and tangible assistance? Not one victim is assisted by the endless droaning on of uninformed voices that comes from this radio station and its' infatuation with "getting" the Catholic Church. Their solutions: let Priests marry, arrest and throw away the key if any accusation is made, encourages Catholics to boycott the Mass, refrain from contributing in the pews.

In the end, how about some balance. Absolutely acknowledge with all Catholics of good will and faith that these crimes are wrong. But don't throw away the countless good the Church performs and the faith and liturgy that brings people to Christ. I don't think I can ever listen to this station again without wondering if they truly have a hidden agenda.

Like the Archbishop of New York, I'll admit my bias because I love the Church; now admit your bias because you....(fill in the blank).